The two airlines say the new codeshare will give American's customers more travel options throughout the South Pacific and Air Pacific customers easier access...

American Airlines and Fiji-based Air Pacific have signed a new codeshare agreement.

The two airlines say the new codeshare will give American’s customers more travel options throughout the South Pacific and Air Pacific customers easier access to major business centers in the United States.

Pending U.S. government approval, expected within the next 30 to 60 days, American Airlines will place its code on Air Pacific flights between Los Angeles and Nadi, Honolulu and Nadi, and Nadi and Suva. Air Pacific will place its code on nearly 20 new destinations to cities flown from American’s Los Angeles cornerstone hub.

Fiji-based Air Pacific operates two Boeing 747-400s and one Boeing 767-300ER on its long-haul routes, but has ordered three Airbus A330-200s to replace them. Air Pacific did at one point place an order for Boeing 787s, but subsequently canceled it

“This new codeshare relationship will give our customers seamless connecting opportunities to new destinations in the South Pacific,” says Kenji Hashimoto, American’s vice president – strategic alliances. “We look forward to working with our latest partner, Air Pacific, in providing even more travel options for all of our customers.”

“Air Pacific is delighted to join forces with American Airlines to offer our customers a world-class gateway to nearly 20 American cities. This codeshare relationship will bring new and returning travelers to the idyllic islands of Fiji, one of the most pristine and popular vacation destinations in the South Pacific,” says David Pflieger, Air Pacific’s managing director and chief executive officer.

Adds Pflieger: “It’s a ‘win-win’: Air Pacific’s customers have the opportunity to earn AAdvantage miles on all Air Pacific flights, and American’s customers can use their AAdvantage miles on all Air Pacific routes to enjoy our renowned Fijian hospitality, including complimentary inflight meals, drinks, entertainment, our Nadi airport lounge facilities, and express lanes through customs and immigration for our Business (Tabua) Class passengers.”

From Los Angeles, American and American Eagle offer customers more than 140 daily flights to more than 40 cities throughout Asia, Europe and North America.

Air Pacific and its subsidiary Pacific Sun together fly more than 400 flights per week. The company operates Boeing 747-400s, a 767-300ER, three 737-800s and a 737-700 from Fiji to 15 cities in 10 countries. Air Pacific has newly ordered three Airbus A330-200s to replace its existing long-haul fleet from 2013 and expects eventually to grow the grow its long-haul fleet further.

Aircraft operated by Air Pacific and Pacific Sun bring in 68 per cent of all visitors who fly to Fiji. The company employs more than 790 employees, earns revenues of F$600 million (US$335.5 million) annually and directly contributes 3 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Pacific Sun operates an all-turboprop fleet of two ATR 42-500s and four De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters on Fiji’s 10 domestic island routes and regional flights to Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

For Air Pacific’s flight schedule and other information, or to book flights, visit www.airpacific.com. You can also call Air Pacific’s sales center at 679-330-4388 or 679-672-0888.